The issue of Succession and links to factionalism Flashcards
Why was there an issue with succession?
Elizabeth had no heir and would not name a successor. No clear future. The absolute monarchy was vital to England.
When did succession add to instability?
1590s
What were the problems for Cecil (William-Burghley) and the gov’t?
Age.
Civil War,
Religion.
Assassination.
From 1589- more worrying as Queen aged-1590s- 60s.
Possibility of Civil war-clash supporters of rival claimants.
Death could lead to C restoration and persecution of P
(Why he pushed for Mary’s death)
Succession could lead to attempts on Elizabeth’s life to gain advantage in succession.
Why did Elizabeth not want to name a successor?
Felt the person named could become a centre of plots to overthrow her like how she was in her sisters reign and how people viewed M Q of Scots.
How was factionalism and succession linked?
Refusal to name a successor gave leaders of court considerable power to influence the succession, either by persuading her to name a specific successor or choosing one on her death. So struggles between Essex and Cecil’s for influence was, in part, a struggle to guide the succession to benefit them.
How was war and succession linked?
Widely assumed that P II goal was to invade and arrange succession of his daughter Infanta Isabella Clara Eugenia. Secondly, most important P contender was James VI. The war with S and I needed to be fought in a way that didn’t alienate James. There were rumors he might convert to C and invade E as an ally of S, if they gained the upper hand in the war.
What did the succession debate provoke? What did it make the gov?
Made gov vulnerable as it provoked debate about who should succeed and the nature of the gov.
What did senior members recognize from the early 1590s about the succession debate and what happened to prevent it?
Its danger and the press censor was given new powers to censor books dealing with the succession.
Name all the candidates.
Infanta ICE (Descended from Hnery III and Edward III)
James VI (distance from Mary- primogeniture)
Phillip II (Mary bequeathed throne in will- rumor)
Arabella Stuart (James Cousin- most P regarded as 2nd to throne. P opposed James tended to support A- significant P who did not want a S king).
In the last years of Elizabeth which successors had plans to make them successor over James?
Arabella
